TRIP REPORT: August 2021 (Part 4 of 5)

TRIP REPORT (Part # 4). THIS TRIP WAS MORE ABOUT "THE PEOPLE". (Warning: This is mostly just long, rambling, thoughts and recollections)

In my 15 trips to Isle Royale, I have met some wonderful people. Some of them have now been my friends for a decade (or more). We have taken other hiking trips together--both on Isle Royale and elsewhere. I have officiated at one Isle Royale wedding (on the Windigo dock in 2018). I have kept in touch as folks (from previous trips) as they have had children and grandchildren --and as others have reached retirement age or encountered times of illnesses.

With my super slow hiking pace in 2021 -- and with me staying at some places for 2-3 days this year --people were an even greater part of my 2021 trip than on most of my previous trips.

Some of my 2021 encounters lasted for just a few seconds as we passed each other on the trail--other interactions were part of hours and days of encounters on the Island. (There were even some online discussions and comments after our return home). Whether the encounters were brief--or extended-- rest assured that they had an impact on my trip and my life.

Let me be clear--not all encounters with my fellow humans on Isle Royale in 2021 were magical. I encountered several people who were violating park regulations and Leave No Trace practices. There were occasional instances of members of groups arguing amongst themselves. There were a few world champion "jerks" that I met. There were even a few people who caused me to wonder how they ever managed to get through a day of life without the assistance of a guardian, aide, and/or chaperone.

HOWEVER, in general, an overwhelming percentage of my encounters with other humans on Isle Royale in 2021 were wonderful and memorable.

I encountered all sorts of people on my trip--ranging from tiny young children to people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. I encountered people from many different racial-ethnic backgrounds and from various socio-economic experiences. (But, I must confess that backpacking, paddling, and boating are still activities that are still disproportionately done by persons of European heritage and of middle to higher income levels. I hope that situation will one day change). I encountered people from all along the political and social activism spectrum. There were individuals from a wide variety of gender identifications and sexual orientations. People tended to interact nicely with each other and get along well with each other....even if they were "different" from each other in some notable ways. I wish that we could bring more of those Isle Royale interpersonal experiences to our daily lives on the mainland.

Daily life on the Island tends to be a great unifier and "leveler". CEOs and unemployed persons--4 year-olds and 80 year-olds -- Democrats and Republicans-- LGBTQIA+ persons and "straight" persons -- all use the same outhouses. All have to pack in their water (or filter it) when they are on the Island. All individuals have to get from Point A to Point B--and all have to find a place to stay. (They all encounter the same outhouse spiders as well). We end up sharing many common experiences together when we are on Isle Royale. We become a bit of a "community".

I had some great discussions and interactions on each of the 16 days that I was on the Island in 2021. I can't possibly list them all here. Some of my more "unique" 2021 discussions included listening to a three-year-old explain the finer points and nuances of throwing rocks, sand, and sticks in the water (on one end of the continuum)--and discussing people's Ph.D. dissertations (on the other end of the continuum). There were discussions of people's past outdoor hiking and paddling trips -- from short trips in local parks to trips to the Himalayas, Europe, the Appalachian Trail, Yukon River, Pacific Crest Trail, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Superior Hiking Trail, North Country Trail--and so many others.

There were discussions with engineers, bankers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and nurses. There were also discussions with unemployed persons, retired persons, persons in the service industries, college students, factory workers, farmers, retail store workers, restaurant workers, and self-employed people. I met people who were enjoying their first trip to the Island--all the way up to someone on their 33rd trip to Isle Royale.

People talked about life, health, joys, sorrows, illnesses, birthdays, anniversaries, religion, science, hopes, and fears. People discussed "what's for dinner", which outhouse to use (and which to avoid), moose and wolf sightings--as well as talking about seeing beavers, foxes, squirrels (and other critters). We talked about trail conditions, blue-green algae, COVID-19, wildfires, fishing, retirement issues, and job issues. I also had some intense discussions with young people regarding their favorite (and least favorite) subjects in school--and the impending starting dates for the new school year.

I accepted two very wonderful dinner invitations. The food was five-star and received an A++++ rating. A Scout group filtered my water for me one day on the trail. People shared snacks--both in camp and along the trail. (I discovered that I have a liking for "Mango Chips"). People offered to share beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages with me...but I have been in recovery for 40 years and chose to decline those generous offers. (Thank you very much, --everyone-- for sharing food, water snacks, your wisdom--and other things).

Other highlights include the "rock" concert and sing-along--held on the rocks at Chippewa Harbor. I found great joy in watching a small group of friends (many of whom had attended an Ivy League school together)--prepare and consume their coffee, tea, and breakfast on the dock at Daisy Farm (on a chilly morning) as they watched the sunrise. There was joy in both seeing and hearing the enthusiasm of children as they showed me their walking sticks, whittling projects, "hiding places" and "forts", and their "Junior Ranger" items. I spent nearly 10 minutes intently listening to a two-year-old--(who was still learning to talk)--as he enthusiastically described things to me. I only understood about a quarter of his words--but his intensity, enthusiasm, and animated nature were captivating as he told his Isle Royale stories.

I think that I was most impressed by the people in their 20s and 30s--and by the elementary school students and teenagers. Their joy (and lack of cynicism) was refreshing. It was also great to see these younger generations getting outdoors in the wilderness. They had/have a joy for living that many of us lose as we get "older".

Something that was also rather "interesting" this year was my somewhat lack of anonymity. Because I spend FAR TOO MUCH time posting and responding to things on this Facebook forum -- some people recognized me when I was on Isle Royale. I had perfect strangers call me by name. I had people come up to me and ask "are you 'Jon'?" A few people asked me to pose for selfies. Some individuals asked me for advice regarding their current trip. Others just had long discussions with me--like old friends. (Because it seemed like we "knew" each other "forever"--due to seeing each other on Facebook).
To everyone that I encountered on this trip--whether it was for a few moments or a few days--I thank you for the experience. It was (and is) greatly appreciated. The people were my favorite part of this year's Isle Royale trip. Who knows, maybe some of the people (that I met this year) will still be a part of my life a decade from now--just like some of the people from my earlier trips. Again, to all the people that I encountered on my trip --thanks!

I am attaching a bunch of random photos from this trip--the majority of them will have people somewhere in the photo. I am not going to label most of the photos with more than a few words.

(In a day or two, I will post my final trip report regarding my 2021 isle Royale trip).